Review of Mr. Holmes (2015) by Keith H — 12 Oct 2015

Mr. Holmes draws you into the mind of an aging Sherlock Holmes, played brilliantly by Sir Ian McKellan. You will find yourself wanting to examine every detail of the movie, searching each scene for hidden clues, analyzing each in hopes of reaching a final deduction before Mr. Holmes reveals it. Mr. Holmes is more than just a mystery story; it is a story of personal struggles. The main struggle is between that of Sherlock's brilliant mind and the physical restraints of aging. However, his life-long gift for logical and deductive thinking must also confront emotion issues and his ability to develop personal relationships.

This is not a fast paced, action-packed film like that of Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes movies. This is a film that intends to pull you into the story slowly, providing time for you to learn to think like Sherlock. It has the pace of the "aging" Sherlock Holmes character.

The elderly Sherlock Holmes is contrasted by a young inquisitive boy named Roger, played flawlessly by Milo Parker. Roger presents a constant reminder of what Sherlock might have been like in his youth. The young boy may also serve as a reminder that one's life can have an impact and continue through the lives of others. The young boy's relationship and admiration for Sherlock also opens opportunities for Sherlock to reveal his most human qualities and flaws.

Mr. Holmes is a film that can touch you emotionally as well as intellectually. You may find yourself wanting to watch it a second time, so that you can re-visit the hidden clues that you seemed to have overlooked the first time.